Innov8: BPM/SOA video game simulator in the works at IBM

IBM has been working on Innov8, a 3D video game SOA/BPM simulator. At the moment only a demo and screen shots are available, and the game is set to be available in September. InfoQ spoke to IBM to find out more. According to IBM, "we're creating the game to deliver an introductory level understanding of BPM enabled by SOA. This includes the basic vocabulary of business process management, the typical steps of a BPM project, and role and value that IBM's BPM software can deliver. And, since the game's narrative is derived from real world experiences of IBM's expert BPM practitioners, it includes many helpful tips and perils to avoid." A demo was posted on youtube:

The game puts the player into the world of After, Inc., a fictitious company that just acquired a rival firm. According to IBM: After's Board of Directors has called an emergency meeting to discuss the progress with After's CEO. Your character is tasked with the mission to help the CEO rapidly create an innovative new process that leverages the strengths of both companies "

More screenshots:Player's don't actually write code or draw models in the game, but it does take users through many of the same thought processes that one would take in creating business process models. Unofortunately, there is no combat in the game, nor can you "hijack people's cube and take their PCs for joyrides. Oh, and kick the crap out the guys walking the halls on their cell phone" as one youtuber commented. :)